Compare beta sp footage to Xl1s footage? at DVinfo.net

September 22nd, 2002, 10:02 AM

Is it the same? If i wanted to shoot a local tv commercial for a car dealership, would the footage be egual to that of a beat sp camera? Has anyone ever looked at the 2 footages?

Ken Tanaka · September 22nd, 2002, 11:30 AM

The tape format will not represent the difference in "look" per se; the quality of cameras might. The XL1s can certainly do a good job with such an assignment. But, viewed side-by-side, the capabilities and resolution of a professional Sony camera with a 1/2" CCD block would be apparent.

But what really tends to say "amateur footage" even more than the camera quality is framing and movement. Pros develop a good skill for framing their shots well (rule of 3rds, etc.) and they move the camera with more precision. Also, a heavier camera (12-15lbs) makes for a steadier handheld shot.

But before taking this assignment check with your whole post-production and delivery chain to see what they're going to need.

Jeff Donald · September 22nd, 2002, 07:03 PM

I've shot hours and hours of Beta SP. The look is close enough that under the right light (not too contrasty) they can intermix pretty well. The 1/2 and 2/3 inch cameras have a big edge in contrast. I still have a BVW-35 portable deck that I dust off to edit with or make Beta dupes. I don't think you'll have a problem as long as attention is paid to lighting. It is easy to loose the highlights with DV and cars have plenty of chrome and glass to give you fits. Close-ups work better also.
Beta will hold up better on wide shots, so try to avoid wide shots and use CU's.

Jeff

September 23rd, 2002, 02:39 PM

When transfering from minidv format to betasp do you lose a generation?

Jeff Donald · September 23rd, 2002, 05:10 PM

Yes, going from mini Dv to Betacam goes down a generation. The loss is not very noticeable in my opinion. The loss is in detail, edges and shadows. I do not notice a loss in color. These observations are subjective (visual impressions) not objective analysis of comparisons on a scope.

Jeff

John Klein · September 24th, 2002, 07:16 PM

I'd like to point out that Jeff's description about more exp. cams having a "big edge" in contrast. I think what he means to say is a less contrasty/better image, as DV is the image with edginess.

Jeff Donald · September 24th, 2002, 09:12 PM

I didn't notice the confusing verbage and yes you are correct. Cameras with 1/2 or 2/3 inch chips (frequently Betacam SP and better) are able to handle high contrast scenes better. What's better? The image will have more detail in shadows before going black with no detail and highlights will have some detail before going white with no detail. Contrast.

Jeff

September 22nd, 2002, 10:02 AM	#1
dvmonkey2 Posts: n/a	Compare beta sp footage to Xl1s footage? Is it the same? If i wanted to shoot a local tv commercial for a car dealership, would the footage be egual to that of a beat sp camera? Has anyone ever looked at the 2 footages?

September 22nd, 2002, 11:30 AM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	The tape format will not represent the difference in "look" per se; the quality of cameras might. The XL1s can certainly do a good job with such an assignment. But, viewed side-by-side, the capabilities and resolution of a professional Sony camera with a 1/2" CCD block would be apparent. But what really tends to say "amateur footage" even more than the camera quality is framing and movement. Pros develop a good skill for framing their shots well (rule of 3rds, etc.) and they move the camera with more precision. Also, a heavier camera (12-15lbs) makes for a steadier handheld shot. But before taking this assignment check with your whole post-production and delivery chain to see what they're going to need. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

September 23rd, 2002, 02:39 PM	#4
dvmonkey2 Posts: n/a	generation When transfering from minidv format to betasp do you lose a generation?

September 24th, 2002, 07:16 PM	#6
John Klein Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 182	I'd like to point out that Jeff's description about more exp. cams having a "big edge" in contrast. I think what he means to say is a less contrasty/better image, as DV is the image with edginess. __________________ < >< . . . . . < >< . . . . . < ><

September 22nd, 2002, 07:03 PM	#3
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I've shot hours and hours of Beta SP. The look is close enough that under the right light (not too contrasty) they can intermix pretty well. The 1/2 and 2/3 inch cameras have a big edge in contrast. I still have a BVW-35 portable deck that I dust off to edit with or make Beta dupes. I don't think you'll have a problem as long as attention is paid to lighting. It is easy to loose the highlights with DV and cars have plenty of chrome and glass to give you fits. Close-ups work better also. Beta will hold up better on wide shots, so try to avoid wide shots and use CU's. Jeff

September 23rd, 2002, 05:10 PM	#5
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Yes, going from mini Dv to Betacam goes down a generation. The loss is not very noticeable in my opinion. The loss is in detail, edges and shadows. I do not notice a loss in color. These observations are subjective (visual impressions) not objective analysis of comparisons on a scope. Jeff

September 24th, 2002, 09:12 PM	#7
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I didn't notice the confusing verbage and yes you are correct. Cameras with 1/2 or 2/3 inch chips (frequently Betacam SP and better) are able to handle high contrast scenes better. What's better? The image will have more detail in shadows before going black with no detail and highlights will have some detail before going white with no detail. Contrast. Jeff